Westlake police are asking the public to stay away from Crocker Park after a construction propane tank exploded this morning near the American Greetings building.
Crocker Park said in a statement early reports indicated the tank caught fire and exploded. The cause of the incident is still under investigation. There were no reported injuries.
Witnesses said the explosion blew out the windows from the front of the building.
Video of explosion at Crocker Park as seen from Aligned Health Center parking lot pic.twitter.com/eC6MMPZ5BP
— AlignedHealthCenter (@AlignedWestlake) March 10, 2016
2x 1000gal propane tanks started leaking and caught fire. One just exploded and threw shrapnel at across the parking garage right at the front door of LA Fitness...
Posted by Constantine Dean Karadimas on Thursday, March 10, 2016
Major gas line fire #CrockerPark #Cleveland pic.twitter.com/YavPbYSCUI
— Hunky (@hunkywoehler) March 10, 2016
The sound from the explosion was reportedly heard as far away as the east side of Rocky River.
People on the streets near the area were evacuated by police, while others inside nearby buildings were asked to remain where they were.
Well, I'm stuck at the gym. The streets are completely evacuated and the police are keeping everyone off the streets. I'...
Posted by Constantine Dean Karadimas on Thursday, March 10, 2016
John Devere, senior project manager of the Walsh Group, the company overseeing the construction of the American Greetings building, said no one was injured in the explosion.
Devere said a head count was taken immediately after everyone was safe and accounted for.
RELATED | Witnesses to Crocker Park explosion describe loud boom and intense heat and vibration
According to Westlake Building Commissioner Don Grayem, a couple dozen propane tanks were at the site to provide heat during the winter. The tanks that exploded were not being used and were scheduled to be removed.
Grayem said the American Greetings building was close to being completed and was expected to be ready to open by July 2016.
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